Latest news with #Autobahn
Top Gear
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Skoda Superb Estate - long-term review - Report No:3 2025
But the 2.0-litre diesel suits this work. It's been refined and sorted for years. It might only have 190bhp (193PS in European), but there's 295lb ft of torque (400Nm) on offer between 1,750 and 3,250rpm, which is exactly where you need it. A 0-62mph time of 7.6 seconds is in the sweet spot of fast enough, and although a top speed of 142mph is largely irrelevant, it means that a continental cruise on an Autobahn or 80mph Autoroute will be easy pickings. A fact reinforced by 57mpg if you're doing UK 70mph speeds. The Superb is supposed to get 47mpg combined, but in a big turn up for the books, and a devastating indictment of my grandparent-style driving, I'm actually getting over 50. I don't really use Sport mode and have a habit of clicking the car into Eco for the 50mpg per tank extra that it provides. Sorry, but when you pay for your own diesel… It's funny, but when you actually look forward to doing a bit of driving or using a car to its fullest, you know something's going well. And yes, I'm fully aware that constantly singing the praises of a 2.0-litre diesel estate car is a bit dull, but age is knowing what's good and caring less about what's supposed to be cool. Although saying that in a world of MHEVs and hybrids, electric SUVs and small-capacity turbo engines is lauding what appears to be a throwback. The seven-speed auto works very well, sorting gears with minimum fuss, even if it's not the absolute last word in deftness on the odd upchange. You can use the paddles - which I do on the odd cross country lope - but really, it's more about sitting back and letting the car take the strain. And again, the four-wheel drive system only kicks in with any authority when the front wheels have raised concerns, be that off-road or on. Saying that, I've been consistently surprised that the Superb can find a bit of grip on a wet grass field without any trouble. If you're on-road, you'll find that the whole thing is stable and consistent, but tends towards early onset understeer and a gentle kind washing out, like it's forgotten where the apex of a corner once was. Nothing to be concerned about, but the racier humans in the office would call it boring. Boring is good - boring is what you want on late night drives in the rain. Interestingly, the 'progressive dynamic steering' seems to blend very nicely - you rarely notice much difference unless you concentrate. There's enough feel at speed and no muscle required when parking, so something's right. There's a slight raised eyebrow at the ride at times, mind. We've got this car on the smaller wheels and Pirelli Sotto Zero winter tyres - and yes, I'll run them in warmer weather and don't care - so there's a touch more sidewall. But get a big enough pothole or series of lateral ridges and you'll still get a proper jiggle from the suspension. More a commentary on my local roads, but it's wise to note that this isn't limo-like at all times. It does stay level and true no matter what's in the back though, and I've had it absolutely stuffed full of gear thanks to university-bound spawn. Have to say though, it's the little things. The multiple hooks in the boot, plus 12-volt charging points both sides, the ability to drop the rear seats from the boot via the levers in the same panel. The actual spare wheel. The extra nets for stowage. The little umbrella in the door cubby, the centre console that houses a sunglasses holder and screen wiping block, the clear tag in the windscreen that holds a parking ticket. The fact that you can switch off the speed limit warning bongs and lane-keep assist quickly and easily through the steering wheel clickwheel. The fact that the LED Matrix lights on the L&K are absolutely spot-on, and the CarPlay/Android is wireless and automatic. There are 5 USB-C ports in the cabin, and the voice control actually works. It's a good basic car with attention to detail that makes it a great one.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
How this European carmaker is getting more Americans to drive convertibles
What matters more to drivers these days? Is it technology, horsepower or efficiency? Mercedes-Maybach is betting on lifestyle. Its vehicles -- posh, regal and extravagant -- inhabit the same realm as Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Drive one on Germany's Autobahn, and you'd be astonished at the power and speed. Daniel Lescow, the head of Mercedes-Maybach, said customers are looking to "express their lifestyle and individuality," which may be satisfied by brand's latest status symbol, the SL 680, a glamorous two-seater that launched last year and arrives at U.S. dealers this summer. The SL, which will be priced above $200,000, comes in two curated design concepts, "White Ambience" or "Red Ambience," yet more than 50 exclusive colors are available to choose from at the factory. Plush interiors, premium materials and metal knobs and buttons have become standard in ultra-luxe autos. So Maybach went a bit more extreme, stamping the company's recognizable logo all over the hood, a labor-intensive printing process that involves four coats of clear lacquer and three hand-sanded coats of paint. Remove the lavishness, and the SL is also a true sports car, with a 577 horsepower biturbo V8 powerplant. The convertible's specially tuned suspension gives owners a softer or firmer driving experience, depending on the location and one's state of mind. Lescow recently spoke to ABC News about the SL 680, the sportiest model in the marque's long history, and how he's growing brand awareness in the crowded luxury space. The interview below has been edited for space and clarity. Q: You said you want to make the brand "more desirable." Please explain. A: There's various dimensions to it. One is the product image. The second dimension is the way we connect with our customers and potential customers in retail spaces. One by one we're building these Maybach lounges -- dedicated spaces -- globally for customers to learn more about the cars and brand aesthetics. We have a very elaborate location in India. At one event in Vienna there was a private concert with [pianist] Lang Lang, who played the piano for our most important customers. Another dimension is our collaborations. For example, we're working with a [German] silverware company on champagne flute holders. It's important the brand is centered around the lifestyle of our customers. Q: Convertibles are a niche market in the U.S. How difficult is it to sell convertibles to American drivers? A: It is not so much about the location or the nationality. It's about the individual customer we want to approach. We do see significant potential in the American market. It's an important market for Maybach, clearly. We recently opened a massive Maybach presence at the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Manhattan. We do see strong interest from the American market in open top two-seaters. Last year, we chose Pebble Beach as the global world premiere for the Maybach SL Monogram Series. Q: Who is the Maybach customer? Is it the traditional Mercedes-Benz customer or are you pursuing Bentley and Rolls-Royce owners? A: The customers are as individual as our cars. Many of them have a number of cars in the fleet. Our customers range from entrepreneurs to artists to superstars ... what many of them are looking for is a way to express their lifestyle and individuality. Q: Why doesn't the SL have the brand's venerable V12 engine under the hood? And how comes it's not electrified? A: We are extremely happy to have the V12 in the Mercedes-Maybach S 680, the flagship offering. When we designed the SL, it was very clear that it's a sports car. And it will remain as the Maybach sports car -- sporty yet elegant. The balance, the agility and the way the V8 behaves ... it's the perfect engine for this car. For electric driving, we do have the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV, which is fully electric. That car is completely different. The electric drivetrain really adds to what's important to Maybach. It's the most comfortable and quiet ride you can imagine. Q: So there was no discussion about making the SL an electric convertible? A: For this car, no. We wanted to have the characteristic of a sports car with all the emotions around it. MORE: Want an electric vehicle but not a Tesla? Here are some great alternatives Q: Why would a customer choose this model over the AMG SL 63 Roadster? A: The SL 680 is clearly designed for sporty driving but with all the Maybach ingredients: comfort and opulence. Customers looking for an even sportier car would clearly opt for the AMG. The cars are different from the ways they look and behave -- they address different customer needs. Q: How has the brand changed under your leadership? A: It's a privilege to work with such a legendary brand. We launched two new cars, doubling the portfolio from two cars to four with the SL. We have seen brand awareness increasing around the world -- that is something that's very important. I can't wait to see what the future will bring. Q: There's still uncertainty about tariffs and costs -- how does this factor into your product planning? Do wealthy customers still spend money in these unpredictable times? A: There are some uncertainties. At the same time, sales volume will go up and down. And that's natural. For us, it's more important that we build a solid base for the brand and that we continue to build brand awareness. With the right offerings, I have do doubt that Maybach will be successful. How this European carmaker is getting more Americans to drive convertibles originally appeared on
Business Wire
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Autobahn Therapeutics Announces Presentation of ABX-002 Phase 1 Clinical Results at the 2025 ASCP Annual Meeting
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Autobahn Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing restorative treatments for people affected by neuropsychiatric and neuroimmunologic disorders, today announced the company will present the clinical results from its completed Phase 1 trial of ABX-002 at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology (ASCP) Annual Meeting, taking place May 27-30, 2025, in Scottsdale, AZ. ABX-002 is a highly potent, oral, thyroid hormone beta receptor (TRβ) selective agonist designed to enhance the CNS benefits of thyroid hormone biology for patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder depression, and other affective illnesses. 'We are excited to share the Phase 1 findings at ASCP, which demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile and enhanced CNS target engagement with ABX-002, and support its evaluation in the ongoing Phase 2 trials in major depressive disorder and bipolar depression,' said Gudarz Davar, M.D., Executive Vice President, Head of Research and Development for Autobahn. 'Despite availability of existing therapies, many individuals with MDD and bipolar depression struggle to achieve adequate relief. Our team remains deeply committed to developing novel, CNS-targeted treatments that we believe have the potential to meaningfully improve the lives of those affected by these debilitating conditions.' Results from the completed Phase 1 trial of ABX-002 in healthy volunteers demonstrated ABX-002 was safe and well tolerated, with no serious adverse events observed. Additionally, ABX-002 demonstrated dose proportional PK and clinical evidence of CNS target engagement consistent with brain-activating thyroid effects, helping inform Phase 2 dose selection. The company is currently evaluating ABX-002 as a potential adjunctive treatment for people with major depressive disorder in the ongoing AMPLIFY Phase 2 trial and as a potential adjunctive treatment for bipolar depression in a separate ongoing Phase 2 trial. Details for the poster presentation can be found below: Title: A Phase 1 Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Single and Multiple Ascending Dose Study of the Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of the Novel Thyromimetic ABX-002 in Healthy Adult Participants Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025 Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. MT Presenter: Bridgette Franey, M.D., Senior Medical Director, Global Medical Lead - Clinical Development, Autobahn Therapeutics Location: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Scottsdale, AZ The abstract and additional details can be found on the 2025 ASCP annual meeting website. About Autobahn Therapeutics Autobahn Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing a portfolio of neuropsychiatric and neuroimmunologic clinical candidates leveraging its brain-targeting chemistry platform. Autobahn aims to unlock new therapeutic opportunities through precision tuning of CNS exposure, pursuing validated clinical and biologic targets, and guiding development with biomarkers. The company's pipeline is led by ABX-002, a thyroid hormone receptor beta (TRβ) agonist being developed as a potential adjunctive treatment for people with major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder depression. Autobahn Therapeutics is based in San Diego. For more information, visit About ABX-002 ABX-002 is an orally administered, potent and selective thyroid hormone beta receptor (TRβ) agonist designed to enhance the CNS benefits of thyroid hormone biology while also reducing the peripheral liabilities of synthetic thyroid hormone (e.g., triiodothyronine, T3), a treatment which has shown efficacy in numerous placebo-controlled human studies across MDD and bipolar disorder depression. Thyroid hormone agonism has demonstrated activity on cellular energy metabolism pathways, which play an important role on the regulation of brain bioenergetics and may be uniquely suited to address symptoms of atypical depression, a highly prevalent and underserved sub-population of MDD. In nonclinical and clinical studies, ABX-002 has demonstrated optimized PK properties, target engagement in brain regions associated with depression, and an attractive safety and tolerability profile.
Motor 1
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The New Audi A6 Plug-In Hybrid Has a Decent Electric Range
The new A6 hasn't even gone on sale in the United States yet, but Audi is already expanding the lineup in Europe. Both the sedan and wagon are now offered as plug-in hybrids based on a four-cylinder engine. A major upgrade over the previous PHEV version is the battery, which now has a net capacity of 20.7 kWh, or about 45 percent more than before. That translates to a solid electric range, potentially enough to handle daily driving without using the engine. These upscale PHEVs can travel up to 66 miles (106 kilometers) on a single charge in the combined cycle before the combustion engine kicks in. Stick with the slightly lighter sedan, and Audi says you can get up to 69 miles (111 kilometers) in the city. The quickest way to deplete the battery, mounted under the rear section, is to drive on the Autobahn at the electronically limited 87 mph (140 km/h) in EV mode. With the engine running, the plug-in hybrid A6 can hit 155 mph (250 km/h). Photo by: Audi Two versions are available: one with 295 hp and another with 362 hp. If those figures sound familiar, it's because the new A5 plug-in hybrid has identical outputs. The two models are closely related, both riding on the Premium Platform Combustion. Logic tells us that PPC could also underpin Porsche's upcoming gas-powered Macan successor , which is expected later this decade. The base A6 PHEV makes 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque and does 0–62 mph (100 km/h) in six seconds flat. Step up to the more powerful version and get 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) and a sprint time of just 5.3 seconds. If you want something quicker, a V-6 3.0-liter mild-hybrid model does the job in 4.7 seconds. Of course, the upcoming S6 and RS6 will be even faster. The plug-in hybrid is the wise choice for those prioritizing efficiency and want to move on from diesel. Audi has increased AC charging capacity to 11 kW, enabling a full charge in just two and a half hours. Both PHEVs have rear-wheel steering, a dual-clutch automatic transmission, and Quattro all-wheel drive. The 141-horsepower electric motor is integrated into the seven-speed S Tronic gearbox's housing. Audi says full torque is available 'at close to idle speed,' helping these models get off the line effortlessly. 2026 Audi A6 plug-in hybrid 31 Source: Audi The electrified A6 is significantly quieter than its predecessor, thanks to a 30 percent increase in sound insulation. The same improvements apply to conventionally powered versions, which now get acoustic glazing on the rear-side windows and tighter door and window seals. Additional noise reduction comes from foam rings in the tires on cars equipped with 19-inch wheels and larger. Audi also reworked the engine and transmission mount bushings and optimized the shape of the gear teeth to reduce mechanical noise. In Germany, the A6 Sedan E-Hybrid starts at €65,800 for the base model and from €68,300 for the more powerful version. The more practical A6 Avant E-Hybrid begins at €75,050 and €77,550, respectively. That price gap between the two power levels also reflects added standard equipment like S Line trim inside and out, larger wheels, a sport suspension, and red brake calipers. Deliveries in Europe begin this summer. Keep Up With Audi: The New Audi RS5 Sounds Pretty Darn Good Audi Will Launch an Entry-Level Electric Car in 2026 Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Audi Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Axios
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
9 SF events to check out this weekend, from Brew Fest to Hunky Jesus
There are several intersecting holidays this weekend, from Easter Sunday to 420 and Earth Day. Luckily, San Francisco has something to offer for everyone. 🌯 Swing by the Castro Night Market for local food vendors, merchants and live entertainment. 5-10pm Friday along 18th Street between Hartford and Collingwood. Free. 🪩 Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Kraftwerk's iconic album "Autobahn" with a psychedelic show performed by the German electronic music pioneers. 8pm Friday at Greek Theatre in Berkeley. Tickets start at $85. 🌳 Learn about the environment and the importance of sustainability at the 2025 Earth Day Festival & Green Business Expo, which will feature tree planting, biodiversity tours and chalk art. 10am-3pm Saturday at the Yerba Buena Gardens. Free. You can also volunteer at our local national parks to honor Earth Day and National Park Week. 🎡 Partake in carnival rides, games, Easter egg hunts and more at San Francisco's annual Spring Fling event. 11am-4pm Saturday at Crocker Amazon Park. Free. ASL interpretation and other accommodations are available. 🚶♂️ Join the Walk for Epilepsy to raise awareness for the neurological disorder and fundraise for the Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California. 9:30am-1pm Saturday starting at Embarcadero Plaza. 🍻 Check out more than 200 beers at the Bay Area Brew Fest. You'll have unlimited samples and access to food trucks and live music. Noon to 4pm for early admission and 1-4pm for general admission on Saturday at the Presidio Lawn. Tickets start at $73.44. 🍿 Catch a screening of "The Big Lebowski" followed by a discussion with the Dude himself, Jeff Bridges. 6:30pm Sunday at The Masonic. Tickets start at $113. ⚙️ Give your best shot at the annual Bring Your Own Big Wheel race down some of the city's curviest streets. 2-3pm for kids 13 and under, followed by "adult children" 3-5pm Sunday at Vermont and 20th Streets in Potrero Hill. Free to watch; registration required to race. ✝️ Don your Sunday best for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence's annual Easter in the Park, featuring drag performances, egg hunts and the legendary Foxy Mary and Hunky Jesus contests.
